A community-driven skating event aimed at fostering inclusivity and supporting youth mental health is scheduled to take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre. This initiative is spearheaded by the youth leadership at CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, in collaboration with a Youth United grant from United Way Simcoe County (UWSM).
Ayla McCallum, the youth lead at CFS, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We’re extending an open invitation to the entire community to join us at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre for an afternoon of winter fun, all while contributing to local youth mental health initiatives.” Rather than implementing an entrance fee, attendees are encouraged to make donations to support the YouthCALL outreach van.
YouthCALL, launched in 2020 by CFS in partnership with various organizations throughout Simcoe County, serves as a crucial resource for mental health and well-being services tailored to local youth aged 12 to 25.
Amanda Fellows, program manager at CFS, highlighted the heightened mental health challenges faced by young people, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic. She emphasized the importance of YouthCALL’s evidence-based, youth-centered approach, which prioritizes holistic well-being and addresses the basic needs of youth to facilitate open discussions about mental health.
A key figure in the coordination of YouthCALL’s initiatives, McCallum leads the program’s volunteer youth advisory council, which contributes to the development and implementation of inclusive programming. With the support of her team and council members, McCallum successfully secured funding through a Youth United grant to organize the community skating event in Barrie.
The funding stream provided by UWSM aims to empower youth to effect positive change within their communities. McCallum underscored the significance of physical activity, social interaction, and recreational enjoyment in alleviating stress and fostering resilience, emphasizing the event’s dual purpose of serving local youth and the broader community.
For those unable to participate in skating activities, there will be opportunities to drop off donation items at the event. Additionally, donations can be made before or after the event at CFS’s Barrie office located at 20 Anne St. S.
